T.I.A

"THIS IS AFRICA". This was the explanation my fellow Canadian volunteer was given to explain the somewhat shocking state of affairs here. It's become somewhat of a running joke for JoAnna and I when we see things we would otherwise describe as a "gongshow". Yes we are safely in Rwanda, we sorry that we have deprived our mothers and grandmothers sleep over the past couple of nights but yes we are here safe and sound and in a internet cafe to boot. Like most of our travelling thus far, our arrival to Africa was not without incident. Our flight went well and was actually quite enjoyable, the service was good and so was the food. After clearing customs and gathering our baggage, we entered the receptional hall and scanned the room for any fellow Muzungus (swahili for "white person"). While there were a handful of muzungus and a dozen or so signs, we had problems finding our host, Maman Nicole, a short white lady with red hair. We searched the signs and looked some more but to no avail. "Maybe she is waiting for us outside we though?". We walked outside to be greeted by only more black faces and brown eyes. It hit home for the first time then that we are minorities here (for the first time in our lives) and an unwelcome one judging by some people's glares. We waited another 20 minutes or so and continued to search again with no luck. "Has she forgotten about us?" Finally we decided to make a phone call. We approached the information center and I inquired in french if there was a pay phone nearby and if so what change it took. They looked at me puzzeled and after repeating my question asked if we had a cell phone. No, we sure didn't. After some further talking we learned that pay phones don't exist only cell phones. After a brief moment of looking shocked, dissapointed and hopeless, one of the ladies at the desk offered to let us use her cell phone if we purchased a "calling card". We then pulled out JoAnna's laptop and searched the internet for Ubuntu's phone number. Thank God is was there! We wrote down the number and then proceeded to call. Maman Nicole answered sounding dazed. "You're here! JoAnna told me you wee coming yesterday, so I waited all night last night at the airport, I'll be there in 20 minutes." Half an hour later she arrived and pilled into her jeep. We drove to the Centre Cesar, were shown our rooms for the night and slept. Abuzz with anticipation of seeing our new home in the sunlight I awoke at 5am to take it in. The next morning we were shown our accomadations for the next two weeks, a small room in a small house belonging to a muslim widow named Ziada. She is very lively and nice but unfortunately only speaks Kinyarwanda, so we make do with what little words in French she knows and what little Kinyarwandese we have learned. She laughs at us when we try to communicate with her, it's pretty cute. That day we spent travelling the city shopping and visiting the market. It suffices to say that the market is T.I.A. (an absolute gong-show). Rows upon rows of people selling flour, eggs, vegetables, fruit, live chickens and another section that looks like a Value Village and Canadian Tire combined... if a tornado ran through it. Make-shift walls covered in clothes and others in wardware store-type bits, pieces of PVC pipe, pails, shovels, whatever. It was an experience. Monday was our first day working the widows. We spent the morning organizing and preparing the food bank at the center by bagging flour, sugar, beans, rice and other diet staples and during the afternoon I left to go to the airport with Igor, the organizations Canadian co-President. He is the son of Rwandan refugees and a Rwandan Prince (of the old monarchy). Although most of his family and relatives that stayed in Rwanda were killed during the genocide he is still related to many Tutsi that survived or have returned following the diaspora. He is truly an amazing and interesting individual, he speeks 7 languages fluently and although he lives in Edmonton, he has travelled the world over working as a diplomat trying to bring foreign business to Rwanda to strengthen its economy. He and I spent the day at the airport trying to get new industrial sewing machines for the center through customs. Only took a total of nearly 7 hours! Again, T.I.A. JoAnna spent her day talking to the volunteers and widows and taking things in. Today (tuesday), we were able to distribute our gifts to the widows and workers at the center. They were so grateful and excited for the makeup that we brough for them (thanks to Christina and Ryan) and boys who work at the mechanics shop were so excited for the gloves I brough from my work. Slowly we are beginning to connect with the people here. To develop currency, as my friend Aaron would say. We are slowly learing Kinyarwandese and those we pass in the street are delighted when we say "hello" and "how are you" in their native tongue. The people here are extremely nice and friendly although mostly intially very reserved. The food here is very good and so is the beer (I had my first taste with Igor while waiting for customs to move along). Slowly we will begin to find our purpose here. So far, I will teach the widows here English for an hour eachday, so that hopefully they can learn to carry a basic conversation, I am also teaching a boy who works at the center (Maman Nicole's adopted son) how to use the computer and I will also be a chauffeur (talking volunteers and elderly women where they need to go). JoAnna is still trying to find her place but it will be likely helping with music or art. We are starting to befriend some of the young children here in the village and are excited about what the future holds. Until next time.

Alex and Jo